KCFAPI celebrates its 59th Founding Anniversary

ESTABLISHED in the year 1958 by the Servant of God Fr. George J. Willmann, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. celebrated its 59th year of fortified fraternal service to the Order of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines.

CELEBRATION: Some of the photos taken during the week-long anniversary from September 8-15, 2017.

In celebration of its anniversary, with the theme: “59 nAPOTayo”, the association prepared week-long activities for the brother knights whom they are really in service of. It was on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 8th of September, when it started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Rev. Fr. Benjamin Deogracias M. Fajota. After which, the ribbon cutting took place at the KCFAPI Center Lobby. Bro. Michael “Migz”Cabra, Administrative Manager, spearheaded the exhibit and invited several Marian Images around Metro Manila to take part. Replicas of some of the venerated and canonically crowned images were also present such as Our Lady of Peñafrancia of Naga and Our Lady of Caysasay of Taal, Batangas. The main objective of the exhibit is to show how the KofC Order devotes their life of service under the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The exhibit lasted for almost a month and ended last September 29.

As part of the celebration, the Benefit Certificate Relations Office (BRO) Department, headed by Bro. Edwin B. Dawal, had their BC Holders’ Week that ran from the 8th to the 14th of September. There were activities and games for the BC Holders. Tokens were given to those who participated and refreshments were also given to the visitors.

As a highlight, to mark the death anniversary of its Founder and the 59th Year Anniversary, a Thanksgiving Mass was offered at San Agustin Church on the 14th day of September, led by the four Philippine State Deputies: (Luzon North) Jose C. Reyes, Jr., (Luzon South) Ramoncito A. Ocampo, (Visayas) Anthony P. Nazario and (Mindanao) Reynaldo C. Trinidad and the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. and the KC Philippines Foundations, Inc. through the help of its Supervisor, Sis. Denise S. Ortiguerra. The Mass was presided by Most. Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo and was aired last September 17, 7:00 a.m. at IBC-13. A wreath laying ceremony followed.

On the eve of the 14th, the Open Zumba Marathon was held at the KofC Manila Council 1000 Gymnasium that started at 4:30 in the afternoon. It was attended by brother knights, employees of KCFAPI and friends from nearby areas such as Tondo and Caloocan. To start the event, Vice President for Treasury, BRO and HRCC (TBH) Mary Magdalene G. Flores gave the welcome remarks. Prizes and recognitions were given to selected participants such as the Most Energetic, Most Graceful, Best Zumba Attire, Darling of the Crowd, Best Group Performance, Biggest Delegates and consolation prizes. The success of the marathon was through the efforts of Bro. Migz Cabra.

To conclude the week-long anniversary celebration, the Fraternal Benefits Day was held on the 15th of September. Vice President for Fraternal Benefits Group Gari M. San Sebastian led the whole day activity which started at 8:00 in the morning. KCFAPI President Ramoncito A. Ocampo gave his inspirational message and welcome remarks to the KCFAPI Fraternal Counselors, Area Managers, employees, and, other guests present. The day started with a seminar on Lay Underwriting and Financial Management that was conducted by Atty. Reynaldo F. Paris, HOLUAP Consultant. In the afternoon, the Incentive Qualifiers’ Awarding followed giving recognition to Area Managers and Fraternal Counselors who attained their target for a specific period. To end the day, the KCFAPI Grandparents’ Day was celebrated. This celebration is in relation to the newly issued memorandum of the Insurance Commission to KCFAPI, allowing the grandson/granddaughter of the brother knights to be an insured member. This was attended by the “apos” who will be enjoying this privilege. The FBG Group prepared some games, entertainment and refreshments for those who attended.

The KCFAPI weeklong 59th anniversary has ended, which is a glimpse of what the Association is preparing for its 60th year anniversary this coming 2018. The association will always show unity, fraternity and, solidarity dedicated to fulfilling its motto, “KofC Family... Our Concern”, (JSServiento)

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Prayer for the Beatification of Fr. Willmann

Blessed are You, Almighty Father, source of all goodness and wisdom. Look down upon us Your children, who are trying to serve You with all our heart. Deign to raise Fr. George J. Willmann to the honors of the altar.

He was the prayerful, strong, dauntless model that we all need in this new era, he was a pastor in the care and formation of the youth; the relief of victims of war and violence; the alleviation of the suffering of the poor and the preservation and promotion of the sanctity of life, marriage and the family.

Make him the lamp on the lampstand giving light to all in the house. Make him the city set on the mountain, which cannot be hidden, so that all of us may learn from his courage, his integrity, his indomitable spirit in propagating and living the Gospel.

Through his intercession, bestow on us the favor we ask You in faith (pause here and silently entrust to the Lord your petitions). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.